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Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris

About Us

A Passion for
Nature & Wildlife
 

For over four decades, Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris has been dedicated to creating extraordinary journeys that connect travelers with the wonders of the natural world. Founded by the late Doug and Gail Cheeseman, along with their son Ted, our company has built a legacy of inspiring conservation and fostering a deeper understanding of Earth’s incredible wildlife and ecosystems. Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of Krista Hanni and Scott Davis, who bring fresh energy and vision while honoring the values and mission that have guided us since the beginning.

We remain committed to offering unmatched wildlife travel experiences, guided by the expertise of industry-leading naturalists and photographers. Each journey is carefully crafted to inspire wonder, promote conservation, and deepen connections to the natural world—ensuring that the spirit of exploration, education, and protection remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create life-changing safari experiences using our rallying cry of "Experience, Learn, Protect."

Safari Coordinator Staff

Our safari coordinators are ready to help you sign up and answer questions. Read more about our safari trip leaders.



Contact Us

Krista Hanni MS, PhD

Owner & co-CEO

Krista’s always been interested in ecology and she holds advanced degrees in Zoology and Wildlife Epidemiology. Her 30-year career has focused on wildlife and human well-being projects. She’s also an avid traveler and has contributed to studies worldwide, from Papua New Guinea to Alaska. She’s joining Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, eager to share her adventure and conservation insights, and is committed to preserving nature’s majesty. Together with Scott, Krista is excited to enhance CES’s eco-friendly tourism legacy.

Scott Davis

Owner & co-CEO

Scott Davis, with 30+ years in expedition leadership and wildlife photography, started as a biologist where he's worked on global projects with grizzly bears and great white sharks. A National Geographic Explorer, Scott has collaborated with organizations like BBC and WWF. His photography and scientific work are renowned; he co-authored "Science of Hope," a book on wildlife conservation. Leading expeditions across six continents, Scott is dedicated to ethical, sustainable travel, ensuring CES's trips positively impact ecosystems and clients.

Adam Walter

Marketing Director

Adam has been an avid outdoorsman since birth, growing up on the Chesapeake Bay and in the woods of Maryland and Pennsylvania. With conservation in mind, his love for the wilderness has taken him to the trails of Kalalau, Hawaii, Uganda, the Galapagos, SCUBA diving, and on a globe-circumnavigating backpacking trip. He is thrilled to merge his 20+ years of marketing experience with his love of nature by being a part of the Cheesemans’ team.

Elizabeth Coler

Wildlife Safari Coordinator

Elizabeth’s interest in wildlife and traveling stemmed from attending various science camps and traveling often with her family throughout her childhood. She studied abroad in Costa Rica with the Monteverde Biological Institute, focusing on tropical biology and conservation. Shortly afterwards she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology and Evolution. She loves to be outdoors and believes the best way to promote conservation is through experiencing the amazing environments you are helping to conserve.

Lauren Kleppin

Wildlife Safari Coordinator

Lauren brings a lifelong love of adventure, travel, wildlife and nature to Cheesemans’. With over 13 years in the Outdoor Adventure and Tourism industry, a B.A. in Studio Art and Outdoor Education, and specialized experience as a Raft Guide, Ultra Runner, Yoga Teacher, Lake Ranger, and Water Conservation Specialist to name a few, she is passionate about facilitating transformative experiences that inspire connection, curiosity, awareness and admiration for the wild and wonderful world we share.

Patti Collins

Wildlife Safari Coordinator

In her former career as an English teacher, Patti worked outside the classroom to develop local and international service-learning opportunities for students. As much as she loves books, she believes we grow most by experiencing cultural and ecological diversity through travel. Consequently, Patti truly values the opportunity to coordinate life-enhancing safaris with the Cheesemans’ team.

Why Choose Cheesemans'?

Maximum Time in Nature

With every trip we provide as much time out in nature as possible to take home in-depth experiences and cherished memories of far-flung wildlife and nature. We often start before breakfast (with picnic meals) and return in the early evening allowing us to travel farther to find special wildlife each day.

Why Choose Cheesemans'?

Knowledgeable Leaders

Our leaders are our most important asset. We scour each destination to find leaders who are experts on the local wildlife and ecology, and who will provide you with maximum time out in nature. On average, we provide one leader per six clients to enhance your experience and quickly address any issues.

Why Choose Cheesemans'?

Small Groups

Most tour groups number only 6 to 12. When feasible, we use over-sized buses to comfortably fit camera and daytime pack within easy reach. In Tanzania and Kenya, four people riding in each seven-passenger safari vehicle provides more space for your gear and to watch wildlife. In the Polar Regions, our small expedition group allows everyone to go ashore at once without timed shifts.

Why Choose Cheesemans'?

Cohesive Groups

Our travelers are nature lovers whose main objective is in-depth experiences with wildlife and nature. This like-mindedness results in camaraderie and long-lasting friendships.

Why Choose Cheesemans'?

Breathtaking Photography

Providing maximum field time also means we experience nature under soft morning and evening light – popularly known as the "golden hours" for photography. Our leaders are experienced in positioning vehicles at the most advantageous vantage points for watching and photographing.

Why Choose Cheesemans'?

Small Company, Dedicated Staff

We intentionally keep Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris small to provide personalized attention to the needs of all our travelmates. Our Safari Coordinator Staff is always ready to help with the smallest details. After each safari, feedback we receive will be considered on future safaris.

Ecology is Our Middle Name

Why is "Ecology" our middle name? Ecology explores the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. It is ecology that spurs on the great diversity of wildlife and habitats as they compete for survival. Ecology explains the intriguing animal behaviors that we love to watch, photograph, and learn about as we travel to each corner of the globe.

Privacy Policy

Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris values and respects our travelers above all and takes their privacy very seriously. Read our Privacy Policy.

Reserve Early

Early reservation is important so you can have plenty of time to prepare for our in-depth tours. Our small groups have limited space and interest is high often causing our tours to fill over a year in advance. To register, follow the instructions in each itinerary or simply contact us.

View Our Upcoming Trips

Come watch wildlife with us! Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris' distinctive worldwide tours travel to destinations unique for abundant and photogenic mammals, birds and nature. We emphasize maximum field time and action-packed wildlife photography during the best season at each destination.


View Our Trips

 
 

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